The two most archetype character of the comic medium are together again for the first time on the big screen but I will come out and say it. It was the the story that was in the making since Reeve and Keaton famously took on the roles of the Man from Krypton, and the Knight Of Gotham. Let’s talk about the Batman first.

Affleck was a great take on Batman. Maybe no so much Bruce. I say that as this is probably the first time we have seen a seasoned Batman who in the film is about 50 years in age (certainly in the senior years of his 40s.) All that being said that aspect was fun. Bust as I said in my TDKR review, it limits a character. However in this film, age may as well be an after thought (more on this in a moment). The interesting thing about this Batman. Why so many love him and would foolishly try to have you believe Batman can actually beat Superman, is because he is a man that had the fountain of determination in his caves under his Mansion. He is simply a guy who experienced trauma and vowed to not let it happen to someone else. He’s as good natured as they come. How that translates to being what was written/being the character Snyder envisioned is beyond me. He felt so bastardized by the end it nearly ruined the character/franchise for me. That said there’s several elements Snyder got right. One was his planning. Batman’s supporters will cry to the death that if given the preparation time, he could best everyone (to which I laugh because plans always go accordingly). This Batman, maybe aside from Bale/Nolan’s Batman, is arguably the most meticulous and efficient we have seen the character and arguably the closest we’ve seen just be a good guy. But how he’s bastardized is simply, his vendetta against Superman is undone by himself for allowing just as much, if not more destruction to happen in a populated city. One sad part was the lack there of the character of Gotham. Yes it’s there. But each time Batman has been on screen small or big, Gotham is so very present to help add to the character. Overall I don’t think he did a superb/amazing job acting wise. But he did no wrong. Jeremy Irons and Affleck’s banter as Alfred and Bruce was a welcomed sight. Very much reminded me of Batman the animated series and that’s shows evolution into Justice League… all this said as much as I love how Batman/Affleck is on screen… Killing and all, it’s just not what I waited three years or most of my life for.

Superman… Say what you want about Man of Steel, minus the stupidity behind the death of Jonathan Kent, the film is rather magnificent in many ways. But it’s easy to lose sight of that as many complained about all the destruction in populated areas. Having said that, you’d think Superman would learn from that. The actual physical comic medium aside, any second chapter for any character is all about learning and growth. I’m not saying he has to be sniper efficient. But just less flinging people around and a little bit more respect for human tax dollars (totally kidding with that last bit). But seriously, where was Superman being a hero? Yes he saves the day, but this was such a personal vendetta story that totally disregards the characters foundations. I didn’t feel like I was watching Superman, felt like I was watching Batman audition for the justice league. I get this isn’t a traditional sequel to M.O.S. but this just felt totally off from its predecessor it. Yes Supes was saving the day, but that connection was missing and then when you get to the end, nothing makes any sense for anyone to be where they are. Supes is the most famous immigrant. He and Metropolis represent the hope many have sought for when leaving their respective homes for another. He is both Jesus and Moses of bible/religious lore. that’s his centre (you can argue it if you wish, but its true). The contrast was missing between the two cities which leads to a very much a missed opportunity. My biggest issue was that he didn’t seem to learn about his destruction from M.O.S., but that one aspect is carried on in the comics.

The story is as weak as they come. Some reading hinted that massive rewrites were done. By massive I mean core villains were swapped which may have made more sense overall if they were left in. With the two bread and butter characters from DC you’d think they’d know the type of characters they had. The meaning they both carry just in name should lead to a great story. The psychology behind them both is something that really should have been explored in levels. i.e. Clark vs Bruce, Bruce Vs Superman, Batman, Vs Clark, culminating in an all out brawl. And yes, one clear winner for the sake of all debates. What we got was some story that didn’t lead to much other than the pending Justice League movie. One thing any director who understands film (as a medium) will tell you is that each scene is set up as a container. When you edit it every container is opened and you either take it as is, or you take moments. This film felt like every container was used but without any logic at all. The scenes have no cohesiveness to them. One minute Bruce is kicking ass the other Lois is saving the day for some reason. Most good movies lead the viewer. Go ahead think of a movie you like bet you the story leads you to the next scene. For this I blame direction. But I don’t wish I had Mr Synder’s job here. Unless it was perfect for everyone it was never gonna be great.

my biggest issue was there was too much of an emphasis on Justice League. the Cameo’s by Aquaman, Flash, and Cyborg were so unnecessary to the overall story within its contexts. I saw better fan comments that had better ways to introduce these characters. As cool as both Cyborg and Flashes were they were too much in an already messy film character wise. Lex Luthor is the crazy mad scientist of old which I feel isn’t the right way to go. Having him contrast Superman as a villainous human in many ways like Batman (minus the cowl and cape and the obvious heroics) would have been tad better. Laurence Fishburne was more comfortable looking as the Chief, Perry White. I kind of wish they used that to their advantage in this film. Wonder Woman has the best entrance I think any female hero could have hoped for. Her role isn’t as big as I would have liked personally but that isn’t a good or bad thing. I do like wishing I had more sometimes. But considering she is getting a solo movie soon, I can wait to see her in her own element. I just wish I could remember if Ms. Gadot had an accent or if she put one on for her role. In her own way< she does need to bulk up just a bit more to sell the physicalness of her character. But being what t is, its a nice contrast to what she is meant to be. Her size isn’t an issue just my own personal preference for the character is all.

Overall rating of the movie: 5.5 out of 10,

Cinematography: 7 out of 10,

Editing: 4 out of 10,

Audio: 9 out of 10,

Acting: 7 out of 10,

Theatres or wait for the blu-ray? DEFINITELY see it at home. Wait for the blu-ray as it comes with an additional 30 minutes. Which really is felt throughout in the film. if you are gonna see it in theatres, Imax or nothing. Would recommend “D-box” for it is a long film. be ready to see it more than once for clarity.